William Boetcker, James Madison, Plutarch

[♦ nivek ♦]

"You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.

You cannot help small men by tearing down big men.

You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.

You cannot lift the wage-earner by pulling down the wage-payer.

You cannot help the poor man by destroying the rich.

You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income.

You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.

You cannot establish security on borrowed money.

You cannot build character and courage by taking away men's initiative

and independence.

You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could

and should do for themselves."

-- William Boetcker

(1873-1962) German-born Presbyterian clergyman

1916

Source: often falsely attributed to Abraham Lincoln:

http://www.cincinnatiskeptics.org/blurbs/l...ln-cannots.html

http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/quote_blog/W...cker.Quote.C3F9

 

 

"I cannot undertake to lay my finger

on that article of the Constitution

which granted a right to Congress of expending,

on the objects of benevolence,

the money of their constituents."

-- James Madison

(1751-1836), Father of the Constitution for the USA, 4th US President

Source: 1792, in disapproval of Congress appropriating $15,000 to assist some French refugees

http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/quote_blog/J...ison.Quote.24FE

 

 

"The real destroyer of the liberties of the people

is he who spreads among them bounties, donations and benefits."

-- Plutarch

(c.45-125 A.D.) Priest of the Delphic Oracle

http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/quote_blog/Plutarch.Quote.E3A1